An employee at Ford Motor Co.’s Lima Engine Plant in Ohio died Wednesday in a workplace accident, the Dearborn automaker and the United Auto Workers confirmed Thursday.
“We are saddened that a Lima Engine Plant employee died last night as a result of injuries sustained in a workplace accident,” Ford spokesperson Kelli Felker said in a statement. “We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. The safety and security of everyone in our facility is our highest priority. We are investigating how this accident happened.”
Ford declined to provide any additional information about the nature of the accident.
The Allen County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Patrick Archer, 50, of Ada, Ohio. The agency said in a statement Thursday that it received a call shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday regarding a workplace accident at the plant on Bible Road.
Deputies found that Archer “was injured by mechanical equipment while working inside the facility and died at the scene,” according to the sheriff’s office. “No foul play is suspected but the case remains under investigation.”
Chuck Browning, UAW vice president and director of the union’s Ford department, said in a statement that it is a “tragic day for the family, friends and coworkers of our brother.”
“I am just heartbroken and devastated over this somber news and I plead with all to rededicate themselves to the safety and well-being of one another in our workplaces,” he said. “The UAW extends our condolence to the family of our fallen brother and the UAW members at Local 1219 on their loss. We honor our fallen brother with gratitude for his life and mourn his loss.”
Local 1219 representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.
But the local’s Facebook page posted a letter attributed to Building Chairman Ray Lopinski, who noted that grief counseling would be made available to members. Employees also planned to observe moments of silence in honor of the victim Thursday.
jgrzelewski@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @JGrzelewski